Lecture: Why is waste not just waste?

Lecture in the Children's University program in the winter semester 2025/26 by Benjamin Schwan

Research Associate at the Institute of Waste Management and Circular Economy, TU Dresden

Why is waste not just waste?

October 21, 2025 | 5:30 pm | TU Dresden, Schönfeld lecture hall

Waste is not just waste - there are many different types! Paper, plastic, glass, organic waste or residual waste - each belongs in its own garbage can. Why? Because we can make new things out of many things: Waste paper becomes new paper, old bottles become new glasses! This is how we protect animals, plants and our environment. If we separate things properly, waste becomes treasure. But why is that? How can recycling protect our environment? What does waste have to do with climate change? And what is waste anyway?